University of Maryland B.S.-M.D. Program

About Program Apply Program Requirements Doctor of Medicine Contact FAQ

 

The University of Maryland School of Medicine alongside The A. James Clark School of Engineering and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland are excited to announce the launch of the B.S.-M.D. Program, a dual program that prepares highly motivated undergraduate students majoring in engineering, computer science, or math to excel in medical school.

Clark logo
cmns logo
umd school of medicine logo

The University of Maryland B.S.-M.D. program prepares highly motivated undergraduate students majoring in engineering or data science fields to excel in medical school. BS-MD students participate in structured service and clinical activities, along with medically related research with their cohort, which will cultivate a sense of service, community, and innovation in the students. 

Throughout the program, students will be able to gain:

B.S.-M.D. students engage as a cohort in a coordinated service project that benefits marginalized populations. This will be a critical step in preparing the students as future clinicians whose mission is to serve patients

Students gain clinical experience by shadowing a clinician or serving as a scribe during one summer in the program. The program will place students with clinicians at UMB to observe them in their role of serving patients.

Students will be matched with faculty mentors and will conduct a one-year research experience. The research projects will have a clinical impact and should be related to engineering or data science. At the end of the experience, students will present their research to all cohorts of the B.S.-M.D. program.

Program Highlights

  • Admit students of extraordinary quality and transition all BS-MD students to medical school.
  • Engage B.S.-M.D. students in high-quality data science and engineering research experiences.
  • Prepare B.S.-M.D. students to work against health disparities and biases in technology and medicine.
  • Create a cohort-based community in which B.S.-M.D. students feel that they belong and are motivated to contribute to their community.

Upon completion of the program, B.S.-M.D. students will be able to:

  • Articulate the potential impact of technology and data science innovations on patient health.
  • Conduct independent research, interpret experimental results, and articulate the potential impact of their research on patients.
  • Draw upon clinical and service experiences to understand the value of empathy in working with patients.
  • Guard against the impacts of health disparities and biases in technology and medicine.

Admission

Admission is competitive and will only be offered on a selective basis. Students apply to the B.S.-M.D. Program by June 1 following their first year at UMD. Applicants must be majoring in engineering, computer science, or math. The application will consist of the following materials: 
  • Unofficial transcript 
  • Two letters of recommendation from instructors at UMD evaluating the likelihood to excel in the program
  • Statement about the student’s motivation for attending medical school
  • Statement about the student’s interest in engineering and data science and willingness to pursue research in this field.
  • Description of previous activities and service experiences
Apply Here Letter of Recommendation Submission

Program Requirements
 

To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Medicine at UMB, B.S.-M.D. students must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Participate in and complete of all of the program’s activities and experiences
  • Complete of all the standard required and recommended premedical coursework.
  • Graduate with a B.S. degree in engineering, math, or computer science with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher.
  • Apply to medical school using the AMCAS Program.

 

Doctor of Medicine

The University of Maryland Doctor of Medicine Program provides an inclusive learning environment that develops leaders in medicine who strive to improve the health and well-being of patients and communities through high-quality and equitable patient care, research, education, and engagement in a culturally relevant and socially responsible manner. 

Its vision is to create an environment where a diverse student body has the opportunity and support to achieve at the highest levels in all areas and missions of careers in medicine.

Learn More

                                Ian White
                                B.S.-M.D. Program Co-Director | Professor
                                Associate Chair and Director of Undergraduate Studies

                                301-405-6230 | ianwhite@umd.edu
                                Profile

 

For more information, email bs-md@umd.edu.

 

                      Nitin Seam
                      B.S.-M.D. Program Co-Director | Medical Director
                      of the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU),
                      Critical Care and Sleep Medicine

                      NSeam@som.umaryland.edu

 

 

 

 

BS-MD Frequently Asked Questions

UMD students who have completed one year at UMD, and who are majoring in Computer Science, Math, or any Engineering degree program within the Clark School are eligible to apply. 
 

BS-MD students are provided clearly defined requirements to successfully apply to the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and if completed they are guaranteed an interview. They will receive support from BS-MD program leadership in identifying clinical and research opportunities most relevant to their interests and skills across the University of Maryland, from UMD to UMSOM and the Institute for Health Computing. Networking opportunities with UMSOM will also be available. Students in the program will also benefit from mentorship from current medical students as well as the support of their cohort.
 

Rapid advances in engineering and computational sciences will have a tremendous impact on the practice of medicine. This has generated an urgent need to recruit engineers and computer scientists into medicine.

Students who enter UMD directly from high school apply to the program after completing their first year at UMD. Students who enter UMD through a different pathway (e.g., transfer students, dual-enrollment) should contact bs-md@umd.edu for further information.
 

In some cases. Contact bs-md@umd.edu for further information.
 

The deadline to apply is June 1.

Students must be majoring in Computer Science, Math, or Engineering to be eligible to apply. A minor does not qualify.
 

Yes. It is expected that about 50 students will apply each year. Only 7 students are accepted into the program each year.

Admission to UMSOM is not guaranteed. However, BS-MD students who complete the program requirements will be guaranteed an interview and are highly likely to be accepted.

Students submit an unofficial transcript, as well as a personal statement describing their motivation for a career in medicine, their motivation to study engineering/math/computer science, and the impact of their prior service and extracurricular activities. In addition, two letters of recommendation from professors must be submitted on their behalf.

The letters should come from professors who had the applicant in class, or who supervised the applicant in a research or service activity. Letters from professors who taught a STEM-related course may carry more weight, but letters from non-STEM professors may still have value if they can provide evidence that the applicant has demonstrated maturity, empathy, and other important personal characteristics.

Applicants who demonstrate (i) a strong commitment to a career in practicing medicine, (ii) an affinity for studying and conducting research in technology, (iii) high academic success at UMD, and (iv) personal characteristics that are important for health professionals, including empathy and a passion for serving others.

BS-MD students must apply to the University of Maryland School of Medicine via AMCAS after their third year at UMD to be guaranteed an interview. 

Yes, BS-MD students need to take the MCAT, but they do not need to take it before applying. They must take it before April 30 of their fourth year at UMD.

Yes, BS-MD students can take a gap year. However, they should still apply following their third year and take the MCAT before April 30 of their fourth year at UMD. Upon being admitted, they may request a deferral for one year.

Application restrictions are consistent with the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Applications are accepted from citizens and permanent residents of the United States, citizens of Canada, and DACA students in the State of Maryland only.


Top